Wind Farm Latest

8.34.00pm GMT Tue 12th Feb 2008

Councillor Chris Collis has major concerns about wind farm proposal

Although I have stated on many occasions that as a keen environmentalist I have no problem with the concept of developing and utilising as many alternative green energy generation methods as possible, I have, however, since first hearing of the proposal to site a wind farm on land within the former Bleak House opencast mine campaigned vigorously to prevent such an ill conceived scheme from progressing any further. Quite simply I strongly believe that wind turbines have a major role to play in the production of cleaner energy, however, careful consideration must be given to where such a resource is located. Not only has the intended site got to benefit all year round from a strong and consistent level of wind, surely the intended location should be as far away from any sizable residential area as possible It's my view that applicants should be required to prove beyond all doubt that their scheme will not adversely impact on the natural and aesthetic values of any site that they are applying to use for this purpose.

The site in question is quite literally one of the last remaining unspoilt views in this part of the Cannock Chase area; the land is designated as green belt and includes several special sites of scientific interest. The area supports a diverse range of wildlife and is complimented by hundreds of species of wild flowers, grasses and trees, a fantastic outdoor class room by anyone's standards. However, for the majority of people the site provides them with a much appreciated and cherished green oasis that enables them the choice to either go for a brisk walk, treat the family to a picnic or for the less active amongst us to simply sit down and enjoy the glorious views.

If approved the Bleak House Wind Turbines will stand over 300 Feet High !

The construction of three turbines each one at a staggering height of 102 metres together with the construction of a bland building to house equipment and the erection of yet another towering mast for meteorological purposes, will in my opinion have severe implications for the sites wildlife especially the bird population and totally ruin the breathtaking views that thousands of us enjoy on a daily basis. I truly believe that the levels of noise that will be generated by the wind farm will have an obvious detrimental impact on the quality of life currently experienced by the thousands of people that live near to the site.

All of This Disruption and for What?

Harworth Power have stated that if given the go ahead, the Bleak House Wind Farm has the potential to generate enough energy to power up to 3500 homes. When I recently questioned one of their representatives on this issue, he did admit that to achieve that figure the turbines would need to function at full capacity for every hour of every day throughout the year - hardly likely in my view! Especially when you take into account shut down time to enable repairs and routine maintenance to be undertaken. Surely this will significantly reduce the number of possible operating hours! It's perfectly obvious to me and everyone I speak to about this issue that the exaggerated claim of supplying just 3500 homes with sustainable energy is simply not worth spoiling a good view for.